Implantable device with bevel gear actuation for lead retention and actuation

An implantable medical device having a connector system, the connector system having at least two lead receiving channels, each for slidably receiving a connecting end of an electrical lead and defining a channel having an open end for receiving the electrical lead and a closed end, the connector system further comprising:

• a support member fixed to the medical device having a threaded bore generally parallel to and spaced from the lead receiving channels;
• an annular seal member mounted on the support member at the open end of each of the lead receiving channels and coaxial and aligned therewith;
• a plunger adapted for attachment to the medical device and having at least two inlet bores for reception therethrough, respectively, of the electrical leads and an annular flange coaxial with each of the inlet bores and, when positioned for attachment to the medical device, each of the annular flanges being coaxial with a respective one of the lead receiving channels and aligned and engageable with an associated annular seal member;
• a driver bevel gear mounted on the plunger for rotation about a driver axis extending transverse of the inlet bores;
• and
• a driven bevel gear mounted on the plunger for rotation about a driven axis extending perpendicular to the driver axis and meshingly engaged with the driver bevel gear, the driven bevel gear including an integral threaded stud coaxial therewith threadedly engaged with the threaded bore of the support member;
• whereby rotation of the driver bevel gear in one direction effects rotation of the driven bevel gear and of the threaded stud and draws the plunger from a withdrawn position to an attached position with the annular flanges sealingly engaged with their respective annular seals.